The progress through 2013 was upbeat — something no one predicted at last year's conference — yet consumers and industry remain wary of anything that could derail that progress.

Although growth in sectors such as employment, personal wealth and construction in 2013 gives a pretty strong indication that the recovery is proceeding right on cue, the bruising of the past few years is enough to keep things on edge, experts said.

ON THE UPSWING. "2013 was a year of records — in employment, housing, commercial real estate, the stock market." (Seth A. McConnell, YourHub)

"2013 was a year of records — in employment, housing, commercial real estate, the stock market. But, indeed, it's a delicate balance," said Patricia Silverstein, president of Development Research Partners in Littleton and research economist for the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp.

"We recognize that we're on a major growth trend, but we're wary since something can knock us off this balance at any point in time," Silverstein said.

The annual gathering gives economists a chance to predict the new year's economic state, and while last year's event offered more-than-cautious optimism, things were more upbeat this time around.

"We are seeing job growth at a high number, and we're whittling away at the high unemployment rate from the past six years," said Richard Wobbekind, associate professor of business economics and finance at the University of Colorado at Boulder. "Typical recoveries (from recession) are five to nine years, and we're on that path, and it has lots to do with the jobs sector."

Businesses are faring well, Silverstein said, but they remain wary.

WORKING AT IT. "We are seeing job growth at a high number, and we're whittling away at the high unemployment rate." (Hyoung Chang, Denver Post file photo)

"The biggest decision by businesses right now is where to spend their money," she said. "Are they ready to start growing, to add employees? They've been relatively cautious until now."

Wobbekind offered caution: "The dark cloud over the long haul is government finance. ... Everything has a very strong balance sheet except the federal government."

A huge barrier, according to Phyllis Resnick, is the high number of those under 25 who can't find work — the very ones who will dictate how the economy will proceed.

STUCK. "It's the 25-year-old living in your basement, out of college, with more student debt than ever before, having a harder time finding a job." (Cliff Grassmick, Daily Camera)

"It's the 25-year-old living in your basement, out of college, with more student debt than ever before, having a harder time finding a job ... staying that way longer than before," said Resnick of the Colorado Futures Center at Colorado State University. "They're not buying their first home, not getting married, not having children and moving into the economy. And we expect it to be that way for a while."